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'Guitarists Extraordinaire’: Joan Griffith and Sam Miltich Perform Jan 28 & 29 |
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 Joan Griffith©Andrea Canter by Carolyn Jackson
The Bloomington Center For The Arts Black Box Theater presents Joan Griffith and Sam Miltich and guest vocalist Connie Evingson, Saturday, Jan. 28, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 29, at 2 p.m. The performances are co-sponsored by the TCJS as a part of its “Jazz from J to Z” concert series.
This unique pairing of “Guitarists Extraordinaire” for back to back performances will feature the Brazilian styles of samba, bossa nova, choro and baiao. Included in the program will be standards from the Django Reinhardt and Cole Porter songbooks plus some original compositions. To add authenticity to the the sound, Griffith will play some of the music on mandolin and the Brazilian cavaquinho.
In the Midwest, Joan Griffith is a well known teacher, performer and composer. She has toured and recorded extensively as a classical and jazz guitarist, bassist and mandolinist. Her CDs include: A Girl Named Vincent, with Prudence Johnson; Sambanova, with pianist Laura Caviani; Circle of the Dance / Alma Brasileira, featuring recorder player Clea Galhana and Lucia Newell; and Enter You, Enter Love, with Newell. Griffith teaches jazz improvisation, guitar, bass and mandolin at the University of St. Thomas and Macalester College. She is also a roster artist in jazz for COMPAS, the Minnesota State Arts Board and Young Audiences.
 Sam Miltich
Connie Evingson is a well known Twin Cities vocalist who performs in nightclubs and concert halls around the world. Her many appearances include performing with the Minnesota Orchestra, on the Garrison Keillor’s “Prairie Home Companion” radio show, at the Dakota Jazz Club in Minneapolis and as curator and performer for the Jungle Theater’s “Jazz at the Jungle” concert series.
The Black Box Theater setting at the Bloomington Center for the Arts brings the audience and performers close together for these special string sounds with voice that can’t be enjoyed as much in the larger theater setting. To be able to watch the players’ fingers travel over the strings, to hear the voice and Dave Schmalenberger’s percussion in the background from eight to ten feet away is a unique and wonderful experience.
The “J to Z” concert “Guitar Extradinaire” is Saturday Jan.28 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Jan. 29, at 2 p.m, at the Bloomington Center for the Arts, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Road, (952) 563-8575. Tickets are $18, and $16 for seniors/students, $15 TCJS Members. |
